Duke: Williamson out for Saturday’s game at No. 3 UNC

Duke's Zion Williamson warms up for a game against NC State on Feb. 16, 2019. (Photo: Ed Clemente)

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Duke freshman star Zion Williamson won’t play Saturday at third-ranked North Carolina because he’s still recovering from a sprained right knee.

The school announced Williamson’s status on Saturday.

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The 6-foot-7, 285-pound Williamson is averaging 21.6 points and 8.8 rebounds. He was hurt in the opening minute of last month’s home loss to the Tar Heels, missing the rest of that game and four that followed. The fourth-ranked Blue Devils are 3-2 in that stretch.

On Friday, coach Mike Krzyzewski said Williamson was doubtful for the game. But he said Williamson was coming off his “first really good workout” and was gaining “confidence in his movements.”

Krzyzewski also expressed optimism that Williamson could be ready for next week’s Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina.